Valerie Bodlak-Harms joined OrthoWest in 2004. Assisting in both clinical and surgical cases, Valerie works with Dr. David Brown in the evaluation and treatment of sports-related conditions with a specialized interest in cartilage repair and transplantation techniques.

A native Nebraskan, Valerie graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Psychology. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2003 as a magna cum laude graduate.

Andy Dibelka, a native of Omaha, attended Doane College in Crete, earning a B.S. in Biology. He then completed a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Andy has been working in orthopaedics since 2004.

Brian Fontana started his medical training at the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a student athletic trainer. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a B.S. in Biology. He then obtained his Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

He is still very active with both of these institutions. He volunteers his time and skills to the UNO Athletic Department and gives lectures to future physician assistant students. Brian joined OrthoWest in 1998 and has worked closely with Dr. Randall Neumann in providing quality orthopedic care to our patients.

Brian is a current member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery. He has spent most of his career sub-specializing in both hip and knee replacements.

Teresa (Tracey) Turgeon joined OrthoWest in 2007. Assisting in both clinical and surgical cases, Tracey works with Dr. Andy Thompson, who specializes in hand and upper extremity conditions.

A native Kansan, Tracey graduated from Washburn University as a Physical Therapy Assistant. She then went on to graduate from Wichita State University in 1991 as a Physician Assistant. She has a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies with emphasis in Orthopedics from the University of Nebraska.

Jeremy J. Vanicek has been providing orthopaedic care and surgical assistance at OrthoWest since January 2001. After receiving a B.S. degree from Creighton University in Omaha, he earned a Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Jeremy is involved with the care of athletes at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, including team coverage of sporting events and athlete care in the training room. He also gives orthopaedic lectures to physician assistant and athletic training students. Jeremy works with W. Michael Walsh, MD.

Michael Whalen completed his program in Physician Assistant Studies in 1979. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physician Assistant program. Michael has worked in orthopaedic surgery for over 30 years and currently works with Dr. William Singer. One of the original PAs at OrthoWest, Michael assists Dr. Singer in delivering general orthopaedic care, including hip and knee replacement.

Cara Henderson joined OrthoWest in 2010. Assisting in both clinical and surgical cases, Cara works with Dr. Jonathan Buzzell, who specializes in shoulder conditions. Additionally, they travel weekly to an outreach clinic in Norfolk, NE, providing orthopaedic care.

A native Nebraskan, Cara graduated from Creighton University with a B.S. in Biology and Exercise Science. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska.

Kandice Dolesh, an Omaha native, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, earning a B.A. in Psychology. She then completed a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Kandice joined OrthoWest in December 2010. Kandice works with Dr. Crabb, who practices general orthopedics and specializes in conditions of the hand.

Kristi Dada joined OrthoWest in August 2010. Originally from Atkinson, NE, she completed her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2005. She completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2007. Assisting in both surgical and clinical cases, Kristi works with Dr. Michael C. Thompson, who specializes in foot and ankle conditions.